What effect does doubling the diameter of a well screen have on capacity?

Doubling the diameter of a well screen significantly impacts its capacity due to the relationship between the area of the screen and the flow of water through it. When the diameter is doubled, the cross-sectional area of the screen increases by a factor of four, as area is proportional to the square of the radius. This greater area allows for more water to flow into the screen, thereby increasing its capacity significantly.

The increase in capacity by 7-10% reflects the practical understanding that with a well-designed screen, such a dramatic change in diameter can lead to a correspondingly substantial improvement in the amount of water that can be effectively drawn through the screen. This increased flow rate enhances the efficiency of the well, allowing for better water extraction, especially in applications requiring higher yields.

This understanding is critical for well design and aquifer management, illustrating the direct relationship between physical dimensions of well components and their functional performance.